Bacterial Culture (Catheter Tips)

Testing Laboratory

Department

Microbiology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

CT

Test Code (Numeric Code)

2049

Laboratory Handling

Sample Stability

24 Hours

Associated Tests

• Blood Culture (Blood)

Synonyms

Catheter Culture
Catheter Tips

Turnaround Time

48 hours

Culture reports on positives are issued immediately. Negative reports are issued at 48 hours.

Specimen Type

• Tip Specimen

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Specimen Container

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Specimen Container

Additional Specimen Information

Intravascular: Catheter tips will not be cultured unless blood cultures have been collected prior to removal of the tip.
Disinfect skin entry site, remove catheter, clip off end and send in a sterile container.

Urinary catheter tips: Not appropriate for culture. Do not send as they will not be processed.

Epidural catheter tips: Will not be cultured unless there are clinical details indicating infection at the site of the catheter.

Ventricular, VP shunt and EVD tips: These will be cultured in all instances.

Contact Information